August 3, 2015
Being involved in an accident creates many problems for everyone, but those issues can get complicated when a motorist is driving without auto liability insurance protection. This can be especially true in Florida, as Florida state law does not require drivers to carry bodily injury protection for liability against injured passengers and motorists. This means that many times an injured victim can have trouble collecting full financial recovery for injuries, lost wages, and property damage. However, individuals who carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on their personal auto policy will have an option that the others do not enjoy.
Why the Need for Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Florida utilizes “no fault” insurance policy, which means that all motorists should be insured and their own personal insurance provider will pay the initial portion of the injured policyholder’s medical bills and other recoverable losses. In addition, the standing to sue a negligent driver for additional damages is also very restricted in Florida. The problem is that, even though it is state law, many people in Florida still attempt to drive without insurance. Having uninsured motorist coverage can provide protection against accidents including illegal drivers. Even when you are a passenger in a vehicle that is not yours, you can still turn to your personal auto insurance policy for accident injury damages when you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Low Minimum Limits
To further complicate the uninsured driver coverage issue, the state requires minimums of only $10,000 each for both personal injury protection, or PIP, and property damage liability, or PDL. Unfortunately, it is easy to exceed this amount in medical bills associated with an automobile accident, and many vehicles on the highway are valued at well beyond the minimum property damage requirement. This means that it is also a good decision to carry underinsured motorist coverage, too. Because of the minimal auto insurance limits, and the fact that Florida is a contributory negligence state, it is also very important to reevaluate your insurance policy and consider increasing the financial level of coverage when you have significant personal financial assets to protect.
Involved in an Accident? Contact Khonsari Law Group
It is clear that any auto accident in Florida can be complicated in terms of damages, and anyone in the Tampa area who has been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist should seek the expertise of an attorney at Khonsari Law Group. Give us a call or reach out online.